[2] It is a lo-fi and electropop ballad that incorporates elements of trap, electronica, R&B and soul music,[3][4][5][6] and its production features ambient synthesizers and a minimalist beat.

[5] Like most of Joji's tracks, "Sanctuary" is a love song,[5] though its lyrics feature "more poetically abstract verses", rather than the artist's usual "frank and uncomplicated confessions."

Throughout the song, Joji sings to a potential lover that he can offer devotion and honesty, though asks them to express their love for him rather than waiting for reciprocation.

[4] Gabriel Aikins of Substream Magazine named it one of the best songs of the week, claiming that "when it comes to introspective, atmospheric tracks, there are few doing it better right now than Joji," and commended the artist's vocal performance and Raisen's production.

A close friend, noticing this and resolving to bring his purpose back, gouges out one of his eyes with a spoon in order to resemble this villain, steals a MacGuffin that they had retrieved from the villain some time prior to his death, then kills a crewmate, leaves using an escape pod, and attacks the ship, forcing Joji to assume his position as captain and defend the spacecraft, thus bringing excitement back into his life.